Mourning, 33, who was diagnosed with a severe kidney disease in 2000, missed all of last season but was cleared to return to the court this season. However, his kidney functions have "rapidly deteriorated" during the past few weeks, according to his doctor, Gerald Appel. Over the weekend, Mourning was told he will need a transplant, and yesterday the Nets announced his retirement.

"It is no longer medically safe for him to play basketball," Appel said. "Although he still feels well, the chemical imbalances in his blood make it dangerous for him to play. Alonzo will need a kidney transplant in the near future."